Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kingplaya4]

I'm back to my old breakouts now that I've been in Korea for awhile even though I'm 26 years old. The only medication that has ever been long term effective for me is accutane (antibiotics work for awhile but eventually they stop).

I've had three course before, so I'm familiar with the drug and its side effects, I hadn't needed a course now for three years, so here's to hoping this will be my last one.

As to my question: I know healthcare is a little more laidback here. Is it possible I could get a prescription from a GP? How do I ask for it? (Ie the Korean name but romanized as I don't read hangul well yet). How much is treatment likely to set me back?

Also in the meantime, where can I get some Retinol-A? Is there a Korean name for this as well?

Thanks a lot in advance.

[RobinH]

Call the International Clinic in Itaewon and ask.

[charlieDD]

I can empathize: used to have the same trouble up to about 30; and accutane was the only thing that cured it for me, too.

If you can get it here, it's going to be "not cheap" - - it's not that cheap anywhere, but I'm sure you'll get the Korean premium price, with a foreigner's price tacked on.

Not sure it is available without prescription in Thailand, but if it is, then I would suggest taking a vacation there and picking some up. Maybe someone whose in Thailand could give you info on this?

Good luck.

[simone]

Check out Dr. Woo & Dr. Lee's skin clinic at Sookmyung Women's Uni station.

http://www.wooskin.co.kr/

English speaking doc there is great.

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

2 years ago I had a minor breakout of acne. I went to a dermatologist near my place, told the doc my problem, and the guy wrote out a prescription.

When I found out is was for Accutane, though, I went back and told him no thanks, give me something else.

You should have no trouble obtaining it.

_*_

[charlieDD]

[Bibbitybop]

People with depression should never take Accutane, either. I had a friend with slight depression who took it anyways. Even after his treatments, he is changed for the worse.

[canuckistan]

[Rteacher]

I suggest contacting Seoul National University Hospital's foreigner clinic. You can make an appointment to see one of their dermatologists. Prices aren't bad (especially with medical insurance card...) Their number is 02-2072-2890. (Not all their specialists are available on Saturdays, though, so you may have to go on a weekday...)

[kingplaya4]

Thanks for the help guys. Anyone know any clinics in the Daegu area that would be good?

[kingplaya4]

I'm bumping this because I just got prescribed today, but the doctor gave me a two week prescription. I don't know what the heck good he thinks this will do? I've done quite a bit of reading on accutane, and it's most effective in long term low grade doses, but there are toxicity concerns, and thus is generally prescribed for 4-6 months at high doses.

He knows a lot of English but mostly only medical english, and I was trying to describe how my treatment was in America. I don't think he got it. Probably not many can answer this, but I'm sure a few can- is this standard way of prescribing it here or do they know about courses?

Btw, price is about 10% of the cost in the US, and I don't have the medical insurance yet.

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

[vox]

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

[kingplaya4]

Mine was never really horrible, so after a month I was usually clear, but even though I'm older I doubt two weeks will do the trick. Hopefully he knows this, but even so I don't see the need to pay for another appointment after only two weeks!